Tag Archives: Dentist

Is the Creative Diagnosis by a Texas Dentist really a ripoff?

My household’s level of confidence in dentistry is at an all-time low. About six months ago, my Texas dentist informed me that my “bunny teeth” were likely getting in the way of my professional success, a problem he could correct with a (pricey) cosmetic procedure.

If I let him fix my teeth, he told me, he was sure I would start “dressing better.” A few months later, my husband scheduled a basic cleaning with a new Texas Dentist.

Once they had him in the chair and looked at his teeth, they informed him that the regular cleaning wouldn’t do at all: He would need to reschedule for an $800 deep cleaning. No thanks.

We were convinced we must look like suckers—until I came across an op-ed in ADANews, the official publication of the American Dental Association. The article, by longtime pediatric dentist Jeffrey Camm, described a disturbing trend he called “creative diagnosis”—the peddling of unnecessary treatments.

The Mystery of Creative Diagnosis by a Texas Dentist

William van Dyk, a Northern California dentist of 41 years, saw Camm’s op-ed and wrote in: “I especially love the patients that come in for second opinions after the previous dentist found multiple thousands of dollars in necessary treatment where nothing had been found six months earlier. And, when we look, there is nothing to diagnose.”

“In recent years, I have been seeing more and more creative diagnosis,” Camm told me when I called him at his practice in Washington state. A Texas dentist, he said, might think, “‘Well, the insurance covers this crown, so I’m not hurting this patient, so why don’t I just do it?’ That’s the absolutely wrong approach.”

Is the ADA Perpetuating Creative Diagnosis by a Texas Dentist?

Even the ADA’s 2014 annual conference offered tips for maximizing revenue: “Taking time to help our patients want what we know they need,” notes one session description, “can drive the economic and reward engine of our practice.”

Do you think you've been the victim of "creative diagnosis" from any of these dentists?

Upselling in dentistry isn’t a new phenomenon, but it’s having a moment. One reason: Texas Dental school tuition—and debt—has doubled since the ’90s.

Is High Debt Causing Creative Diagnosis by a Texas Dentist?

According to the American Dental Education Association, students who graduated in 1996 were in the hole $112,000 (in 2013 dollars), on average, while 2013 grads were a whopping $215,000 in debt—28 percent were on the hook for $300,000 or more.

By contrast, the average med school grad owed $170,000. ADEA executive director Richard Valachovic explained that one reason dental schools have jacked up tuitions is the rising costs of technology for student labs.

In any case, a generation ago, newly hatched Texas dentists would join established practices as modestly paid associates, with the promise of eventually becoming partners. But these days, with dentists retiring later, there’s less turnover in private practice.

Are Dental Chains Behind Creative Diagnosis by a Texas Dentist?

Instead, more and more young dentists are taking jobs with chains, many of which set revenue quotas for practitioners. This has created some legal backlash: In 2012, for example, 11 patients sued (PDF) a 450-office chain called Aspen Dental, claiming that its model turns dentists into salespeople.

Some corporate dentists appear to have crossed the line into fraud. In 2010, Small Smiles, a venture-capital-owned chain with offices in 20 states, was ordered to refund $24 million to the government after an investigation found that its dentists had been performing unnecessary extractions, fillings, and root canals on children covered by Medicaid.

A new lawsuit alleges that some toddlers it treated underwent as many as 14 procedures—often under restraint and without anesthesia. (The group was banned from Medicaid this year.) Several other pediatric dentistry chains have been sued as a result of similar allegations.

Advise for Creative Diagnosis Attempts by a Texas Dentist

So what should you watch out for when you go for your next cleaning? First, beware of specials: That laser dentistry and whitening package may be a ploy to get you in the door so the practice can upsell you on more-profitable procedures.

Van Dyk also advises caution if your Texas dentist insists on replacing old fillings or recommends crowns instead of fillings. And look out for excessive X-rays: The ADA says healthy patients need a full set (14 to 22) every two years at the most.

If your Texas dentist recommends a special “cone-beam” X-ray, get a second opinion. Along with a 3-D picture of your mouth, it delivers radiation up to 18X that of a traditional dental X-ray.

Dealing with Creative Diagnosis in Pediatrics by a Texas Dentist

Finally, when it comes to children’s dentists, make sure to find a board-certified pediatric specialist. Not all dentists that cater to children have special training.

The practitioners I spoke to were quick to add that even dubious-sounding treatments are in some cases medically necessary.

In conclusion, if your gut says your dentist is going overboard on treatment, get a second opinion. “Will you have to pay a little more for another consult?” Camm asks. “Sure. But it could end up saving you a whole lot more in the long run.”

Teeth Cleaning/Bleaching Special $138.00

reg. $199.00

*Available to Ship Worldwide

*Our 1 SELLER

Snore Guard Special $795.00

reg. $1,598.00

The Rebil™ APM works by keeping the airway open and improves breathing while sleeping. Rebil™ adjustable position holds the lower jaw in a forward position so it does not open during the night and cause the airway to collapse.

Micro-Enamel Detox Serum helps dissolve layers of bio-film, plaque, tartar, and calculus providing direct, un-compromised access to the surface of the tooth – making it possible to get the cleanest, brightest teeth you’ve ever had!

*Available to Ship Worldwide

* Limited Supply

We're a Professional Design Laboratory that Specializesin NO DENTIST - Removable Dental Veneers.

When you buy Lab Direct from Brighter Image you'll receive our:

Our Smile Restoral™ Commitment - At Brighter Image Design Lab™, we are dedicated to providing you with an affordable, convenient, and hassle-free way to restore your smile.

The Highest Quality Custom Fitted Press-On Dental Veneers - Our CAD-design lab specializes in Removable Press-On Dental Veneers. You'll get the same or better quality Press-On Dental Veneers your dental professional prescribes, only our process allows clients to also order Lab Direct™ which allows us to work directly with people all over the world.

You Can Order with Confidence - We created the Lab Direct Press-On Veneers Process. We've been online with the same phone number since 1997, with more than 300,000 satisfied online clients with proven results...which shows we'll be here long after the sale.

DISCLAIMER: Press On Veneers™ is specifically designed as a cosmetic contrivance. Its sole purpose is to enhance the appearance of a person's smile. When missing, broken, or chipped teeth are involved, our veneer only replaces the appearance of these smile issues. If you have a need that exceeds the appearance of your smile, you may not be a suitable candidate for the Press On Veneers™ contrivance, as it is not suitable for any other use. We are design lab professionals, not dentists. This offer "IS" available in The United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and Worldwide. By purchasing custom veneers, you agree to the Terms & Conditions and to commit to the process which includes no cancellations and no refunds.

DISCLAIMER: Always consult with your dentist to determine whether using any teeth cleaning/bleaching product is appropriate for you. Do not use this product as a substitute to dental treatment. Crowns, caps, fillings, dentures, cavities, or bridges will not whiten or change color. Also, do not use teeth whitening products if you are pregnant, nursing, or have braces. If swelling of the gums, pain, or any other questionable symptoms occur during use, stop immediately and consult your dentist. Results always vary. Please note: *All teeth do not whiten the same You may not be satisfied with your results .